Newman
Member
This is a new installation in a nursing home. There are spots that act like salt on a walk off mat. They mopped it and they disappear, reappear when dry.
The product is called Plynyl. Described as a vinyl backed fabric weave. Glue down rubber back squares. Looks like this. https://www.chilewich.com/contract/floor/vinyl_backed_tiles
The contractor has been instructed by the manufacture to treat it with a 2 part urethane type coating. Seems like a weird thing to do.
My job is to get it clean for the application of the urethane. Just looking for wisdom and insight.
It says I can wet clean. has anyone run across this stuff before?
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
For Vinyl Backed Tile - Plank and Square | Plynyl® Brand Flooring Products
1. MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS GENERAL
1.1 Plynyl is made with a woven vinyl fabric bonded to commercial grade backings. Vinyl is a very tough durable material and few household or common office chemicals affect it. Routine maintenance along with periodic cleanings and diligent attention to stain causing spills will provide a long useful life.
1.2 The frequency of routine maintenance depends on the application. For commercial offices it may be once a day, for
residences, two to three times a week. The frequency has to be determined by the user, a cleaning professional, or through consultation with the manufacturer. The methods for routine maintenance as well as cleaning methods also depend on the application and traffic levels. Frequency depends on the amount of soil and dirt to which Plynyl is exposed. Dirt and soil will degrade any flooring so proper maintenance will increase its natural life cycle.
1.3 Plynyl is unique among soft floor coverings because water can be used effectively in daily maintenance. Detergents and shampoos with a pH up to 11 can be used repeatedly and safely. However it is recommended to use the lowest pH detergent that provides a satisfactory result. Do not over-wet areas to be cleaned. When using water with any of the maintenance techniques listed below, be sure not to leave any standing water. Keep foot traffic off the floor until it is completely dry.
1.4 Do not use Acetone, Pine-Sol or Citrus based cleaners as they can damage Plynyl. Solvents containing Xylene or Toluene may be used in a limited fashion as a spotting agent, see the Section 3 below.
1.5 Plynyl W2W and tile are not absorbent and therefore are not recommended to be used in street level entrances as walk off mats.
1.6 It is recommended that a walk-off mat be provided in every installation to reduce the tracking of soil and other foot- borne contaminants onto the Plynyl floor. If walk-off mat is not provided, it will result in soils being tracked farther into the facility, more rapid soiling, and premature wear of the Plynyl installation.
1.7 Sealers, waxes, stain repellents and other topical applications whether offered professionally or self-applied do not provide added stain and soil assistance unless recommended by Chilewich.
1.8 Direct contact between natural rubber and Plynyl will cause discoloration in Plynyl. Avoid the use of rubber castors, furniture pads or other rubber pad or cushion products.
1.9 It is necessary to use chair pads under rolling chairs to protect Plynyl fabric and seams.
1.10 Chilewich does not specify type or individual brand of furniture glides. The characteristics of glides for best performance include those normally used for hard surface flooring. For example, metal or plastic construction (nylon is best), made with rounded edges, free from sharp or rough surfaces, and sufficient in size to adequately displace the weight of the furnishing. Avoid rubber and felt glides.
2. MAINTENANCE TECHNIQUES
2.1 The most efficient way to remove particulates from Plynyl is by use of a vacuum equipped with a beater brush which engages the flooring surface. This will loosen soils on and in the fabric’s weave, brush out scuff marks and extract particulates from the surface. Additional dust and soils adhering to the surface can be removed by wet mopping.
2.2 In the absence of more effective cleaning methods noted in 2.4 below, mopping with a detergent can be used to help remove stubborn soils. If a detergent/water solution is used, apply it to the area to be cleaned, and allow it to stand 30- 60 seconds. With the mop, agitate the flooring surface. Rinse and mop with at least one additional clean water rinse, as detergent residue will attract soil if not properly rinsed. Mopping should always be used after vacuuming which will remove most of the particulate soils.
2.3 For modest sized installations Hoover manufactures a floor-cleaning machine called the Hoover Floor MATE™ which was designed especially for flat surfaced floors like wood and tile. It works very well with Plynyl as well. It uses water, detergent and rotary scrub brushes to aggressively remove soil and dirt. Follow the manufacturers instructions for use. It can be used for the home but will work well for some smaller commercial applications as well. You can find order and operating information at www.hoover.com.
2.4 Comprehensive cleaning can be completed on a schedule based on the traffic level, rate of soiling, and general use in the installation area.
A. Best general cleaning is accomplished with the use of “Hot” Water Extraction equipment. Use with a good floor cleaning solution, certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute Seal of Approval program, that provides proven cleaning results with reduced residue (cleaning residue contributes to resoiling). Solutions should be used per manufacturer’s recommendation, and applied to the flooring allowing the surfactant to free and solubilize soils. After 5-10 minutes, the cleaning solution should be extracted with clean hot water.
B. For large installations, cleaning can be accomplished with an auto scrubber. When using an auto scrubber, activate its scrubber brushes and vacuum bar and set the automatic solution dispenser on medium to high. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to get the best results from the equipment. Do not exceed an
11 pH for chemicals used in the machinery. Cleaning chemistries which have shown good results with this equipment are Chemspec’s Preclean and Prochem’s Ultra Pac. As noted above, care should be taken to remove all detergent residue or it may attract more dirt.
C. The Whittaker GLSTM Carpet Cleaning Systems with Crystal DryTM works very well in combination with routine vacuuming. This system relies on Crystal Dry, a detergent that suspends soil into dry crystals that can then be vacuumed easily. Crystal Dry’s advantage over conventional detergents is that it doesn’t leave a soapy residue, which may attract more dirt. Periodic cleaning with Crystal Dry would be done using the Whittaker’s GLS carpet cleaning machine. The GLS has twin cylindrical counter rotating brushes that are effective in removing soil from Plynyl without abrading the fabric. You can find Whittaker products at www.rewhittaker.com, or by calling 800-422-7686. GLS, Crystal Dry and Carpet Roamer are all trademark names of the R.E. Whittaker Company.
D. Powdered cleaners such as Host and other similar products do not offer more effective cleaning of woven Plynyl products.
3. SPOT AND STAIN REMOVAL
3.1 Even with routine maintenance, stains and spots will occur. Clean up spills as quickly as possible. Watery spills should be blotted with a clean cloth or paper towels. Thick jelly-like substances should be removed with a spoon or blunt scraper and then blotted. Solids should be scraped using a blunt scraper, or brushed with a medium bristle brush, then vacuumed to remove the material. After removal of the majority of the spilled material it is important to complete the removal process so the spill does not have a chance to affect the flooring.
A number of products have shown good performance in removing stains. Whittaker manufactures a spotting and brushing system using Crystal Dry Spotter and Cleaning Agent and the Whittaker Carpet Roamer™. It’s effective in cleaning the stains listed below where brushing is required. Spot Shot aerosol can be sprayed directly on the stain. Allow it to remain in contact for at least a minute, then blot or wipe away. Depending on the age and severity of the stain, the process may have to be repeated to achieve the best stain removal.
Plynyl is stain resistant, not stain proof. To avoid lasting stains blot and clean immediately.
The list on the next page shows stain removal procedures for some common spills and other tough to clean areas.
The product is called Plynyl. Described as a vinyl backed fabric weave. Glue down rubber back squares. Looks like this. https://www.chilewich.com/contract/floor/vinyl_backed_tiles
The contractor has been instructed by the manufacture to treat it with a 2 part urethane type coating. Seems like a weird thing to do.
My job is to get it clean for the application of the urethane. Just looking for wisdom and insight.
It says I can wet clean. has anyone run across this stuff before?
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
For Vinyl Backed Tile - Plank and Square | Plynyl® Brand Flooring Products
1. MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS GENERAL
1.1 Plynyl is made with a woven vinyl fabric bonded to commercial grade backings. Vinyl is a very tough durable material and few household or common office chemicals affect it. Routine maintenance along with periodic cleanings and diligent attention to stain causing spills will provide a long useful life.
1.2 The frequency of routine maintenance depends on the application. For commercial offices it may be once a day, for
residences, two to three times a week. The frequency has to be determined by the user, a cleaning professional, or through consultation with the manufacturer. The methods for routine maintenance as well as cleaning methods also depend on the application and traffic levels. Frequency depends on the amount of soil and dirt to which Plynyl is exposed. Dirt and soil will degrade any flooring so proper maintenance will increase its natural life cycle.
1.3 Plynyl is unique among soft floor coverings because water can be used effectively in daily maintenance. Detergents and shampoos with a pH up to 11 can be used repeatedly and safely. However it is recommended to use the lowest pH detergent that provides a satisfactory result. Do not over-wet areas to be cleaned. When using water with any of the maintenance techniques listed below, be sure not to leave any standing water. Keep foot traffic off the floor until it is completely dry.
1.4 Do not use Acetone, Pine-Sol or Citrus based cleaners as they can damage Plynyl. Solvents containing Xylene or Toluene may be used in a limited fashion as a spotting agent, see the Section 3 below.
1.5 Plynyl W2W and tile are not absorbent and therefore are not recommended to be used in street level entrances as walk off mats.
1.6 It is recommended that a walk-off mat be provided in every installation to reduce the tracking of soil and other foot- borne contaminants onto the Plynyl floor. If walk-off mat is not provided, it will result in soils being tracked farther into the facility, more rapid soiling, and premature wear of the Plynyl installation.
1.7 Sealers, waxes, stain repellents and other topical applications whether offered professionally or self-applied do not provide added stain and soil assistance unless recommended by Chilewich.
1.8 Direct contact between natural rubber and Plynyl will cause discoloration in Plynyl. Avoid the use of rubber castors, furniture pads or other rubber pad or cushion products.
1.9 It is necessary to use chair pads under rolling chairs to protect Plynyl fabric and seams.
1.10 Chilewich does not specify type or individual brand of furniture glides. The characteristics of glides for best performance include those normally used for hard surface flooring. For example, metal or plastic construction (nylon is best), made with rounded edges, free from sharp or rough surfaces, and sufficient in size to adequately displace the weight of the furnishing. Avoid rubber and felt glides.
2. MAINTENANCE TECHNIQUES
2.1 The most efficient way to remove particulates from Plynyl is by use of a vacuum equipped with a beater brush which engages the flooring surface. This will loosen soils on and in the fabric’s weave, brush out scuff marks and extract particulates from the surface. Additional dust and soils adhering to the surface can be removed by wet mopping.
2.2 In the absence of more effective cleaning methods noted in 2.4 below, mopping with a detergent can be used to help remove stubborn soils. If a detergent/water solution is used, apply it to the area to be cleaned, and allow it to stand 30- 60 seconds. With the mop, agitate the flooring surface. Rinse and mop with at least one additional clean water rinse, as detergent residue will attract soil if not properly rinsed. Mopping should always be used after vacuuming which will remove most of the particulate soils.
2.3 For modest sized installations Hoover manufactures a floor-cleaning machine called the Hoover Floor MATE™ which was designed especially for flat surfaced floors like wood and tile. It works very well with Plynyl as well. It uses water, detergent and rotary scrub brushes to aggressively remove soil and dirt. Follow the manufacturers instructions for use. It can be used for the home but will work well for some smaller commercial applications as well. You can find order and operating information at www.hoover.com.
2.4 Comprehensive cleaning can be completed on a schedule based on the traffic level, rate of soiling, and general use in the installation area.
A. Best general cleaning is accomplished with the use of “Hot” Water Extraction equipment. Use with a good floor cleaning solution, certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute Seal of Approval program, that provides proven cleaning results with reduced residue (cleaning residue contributes to resoiling). Solutions should be used per manufacturer’s recommendation, and applied to the flooring allowing the surfactant to free and solubilize soils. After 5-10 minutes, the cleaning solution should be extracted with clean hot water.
B. For large installations, cleaning can be accomplished with an auto scrubber. When using an auto scrubber, activate its scrubber brushes and vacuum bar and set the automatic solution dispenser on medium to high. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to get the best results from the equipment. Do not exceed an
11 pH for chemicals used in the machinery. Cleaning chemistries which have shown good results with this equipment are Chemspec’s Preclean and Prochem’s Ultra Pac. As noted above, care should be taken to remove all detergent residue or it may attract more dirt.
C. The Whittaker GLSTM Carpet Cleaning Systems with Crystal DryTM works very well in combination with routine vacuuming. This system relies on Crystal Dry, a detergent that suspends soil into dry crystals that can then be vacuumed easily. Crystal Dry’s advantage over conventional detergents is that it doesn’t leave a soapy residue, which may attract more dirt. Periodic cleaning with Crystal Dry would be done using the Whittaker’s GLS carpet cleaning machine. The GLS has twin cylindrical counter rotating brushes that are effective in removing soil from Plynyl without abrading the fabric. You can find Whittaker products at www.rewhittaker.com, or by calling 800-422-7686. GLS, Crystal Dry and Carpet Roamer are all trademark names of the R.E. Whittaker Company.
D. Powdered cleaners such as Host and other similar products do not offer more effective cleaning of woven Plynyl products.
3. SPOT AND STAIN REMOVAL
3.1 Even with routine maintenance, stains and spots will occur. Clean up spills as quickly as possible. Watery spills should be blotted with a clean cloth or paper towels. Thick jelly-like substances should be removed with a spoon or blunt scraper and then blotted. Solids should be scraped using a blunt scraper, or brushed with a medium bristle brush, then vacuumed to remove the material. After removal of the majority of the spilled material it is important to complete the removal process so the spill does not have a chance to affect the flooring.
A number of products have shown good performance in removing stains. Whittaker manufactures a spotting and brushing system using Crystal Dry Spotter and Cleaning Agent and the Whittaker Carpet Roamer™. It’s effective in cleaning the stains listed below where brushing is required. Spot Shot aerosol can be sprayed directly on the stain. Allow it to remain in contact for at least a minute, then blot or wipe away. Depending on the age and severity of the stain, the process may have to be repeated to achieve the best stain removal.
Plynyl is stain resistant, not stain proof. To avoid lasting stains blot and clean immediately.
The list on the next page shows stain removal procedures for some common spills and other tough to clean areas.
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but flattened back out.
